Ledger.com/Start® — set up your Ledger hardware wallet

Getting Started With a Ledger Wallet

Ledger hardware wallets are designed to provide a secure environment for managing digital assets. If you have purchased a Ledger device, the setup process should begin with information from Ledger's official website and the documentation supplied with your device.

The Ledger.com/start experience is commonly associated with the initial setup journey. Depending on the device and software available at the time, the process can include installing the appropriate Ledger software, connecting the hardware wallet, creating or restoring a wallet, and completing device verification.

Before beginning, make sure your computer or mobile device is updated and that you are using an official Ledger source. Avoid advertisements, unsolicited messages, search results that look suspicious, and websites that imitate the Ledger brand.

What You May Need During Setup

Ledger Device

Keep your physical Ledger hardware wallet available. Follow the instructions for your specific model rather than relying on instructions intended for another device.

Official Software

Use software obtained through Ledger's official channels. Check the publisher, website address, and download source before installing anything related to your wallet.

Recovery Information

During setup, your device may generate recovery information. This information is extremely sensitive and should be kept offline and protected from other people.

How the Setup Process Works

1. Confirm the Official Source

Start by manually checking the website address and making sure you are on an authentic Ledger domain. Look carefully for misspellings or unusual domain names that could imitate legitimate services.

2. Connect Your Hardware Wallet

Connect your Ledger device according to the instructions for its model. The device itself provides important security controls, so pay attention to information displayed on its screen.

3. Follow the On-Screen Instructions

Setup instructions can vary between Ledger products and software versions. Follow the current official instructions instead of using an old guide that may no longer match your device.

4. Protect Your Recovery Phrase

Your recovery phrase is one of the most important pieces of information associated with a self-custody wallet. Write it down using the method recommended by the manufacturer and store it somewhere secure.

5. Verify Carefully

When the device asks you to confirm information, read the details on the physical hardware screen. Never approve a transaction or device action simply because a website, email, or message tells you to do so.

Security Tips for Ledger Users

Hardware wallets can help protect private keys, but user security practices remain important. Scammers frequently use fake support pages, phishing messages, fraudulent applications, and imitation websites to persuade cryptocurrency users to reveal sensitive information.

Never share your recovery phrase with another person.
Never type your recovery phrase into an ordinary website or online form.
Be cautious of anyone claiming to be Ledger support and requesting secret wallet information.
Download wallet software only from verified official sources.
Carefully check transaction details on the hardware wallet itself before confirming.
Keep your recovery information offline and protected from unauthorized access.

Important security reminder: Ledger or legitimate support should not need your secret recovery phrase. Treat anyone requesting that phrase as suspicious. Your recovery phrase should remain private and offline.

Why the Official Setup Route Matters

Searching for wallet setup instructions can produce many third-party pages, videos, advertisements, and community posts. Some may be useful educational resources, but they are not necessarily official sources. For security-sensitive operations, the safest approach is to verify information against current documentation published by Ledger.

A genuine setup process should never require you to surrender control of your recovery credentials to another person. You should also be cautious when installing browser extensions, desktop applications, mobile applications, or other software that claims to be associated with your wallet.

Managing Your Digital Assets

Once setup is complete, a Ledger hardware wallet can be used with compatible wallet software and supported blockchain networks. Available features depend on the device, software, cryptocurrency, and network.

Before sending digital assets, double-check the destination address, network, and transaction details. Cryptocurrency transactions can be difficult or impossible to reverse once confirmed, so careful verification is an important part of responsible self-custody.

A Simple Approach to Wallet Security

Setting up a hardware wallet does not have to be complicated. The key principles are straightforward: use official information, keep your device under your control, protect your recovery phrase, verify actions on the physical device, and remain cautious about unsolicited support.

If you are unsure about a setup step, stop before entering sensitive information and consult current documentation from Ledger. Taking a moment to verify an instruction can help prevent costly mistakes.